Memorial Day 30 January: Mary Ward was born into a Catholic family in Yorkshire, 1585, during a period of British history when it was illegal to practice the Catholic faith. Her’s is a truly extraordinary story of faithfulness, courage, and tenacity, laid out simply in this Five Fact Assembly.
Mary Ward’s legacy lives on through the Loreto Sisters (IBVM) and the Congregation of Jesus Sisters (CJ). Thanks to Mary and her Sisters, there are more than 200 schools globally that have educated around 3 million children between them. Mary Ward was awarded the title Venerable by Pope Benedict in 2009. Venerable is the title given to a candidate for sainthood. Today her cause for long over-due beatification and canonisation is being bolstered by a #MaryWardFor Saint petition. Click this link to discover more and sign.
Venerable Mary Ward Assembly Notes (1029 downloads) Venerable Mary Ward Assembly Slides (992 downloads) Venerable Mary Ward Colour-in Quotes (1052 downloads)An interactive exhibition on the life and times of Mary Ward can be found at the Bar Convent, York. Established in 1686, at a time when it was illegal to be Catholic, a group of religious sisters, now known as the Congregation of Jesus, opened this secret convent. Today, as the oldest living convent in the UK, visitors are welcomed to explore its rich and unique history. Find out more here.
